Our understanding of how the brain works is still limited. We now have a fairly good understanding of how individual neurons (nerve cells) operate, and accurate biophysics-based mathematical models for how neurons process information are available. However, how the networks of thousands or millions of neurons give rise to the brain’s amazing mental capabilities, is still poorly understood. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms will likely require detailed physics-type modeling of these networks.
Until recently, limitations in computer technology have prohibited the mathematical exploration of large-scale network models, but with the advent of modern supercomputers such simulations are now becoming feasible. At the same time the Allen Brain Institute in Seattle has developed a state-of-the-art biophysically detailed mathematical network model of the mouse primary visual cortex comprising 230.000 neurons (Billeh et al., Neuron, 2020).
In the project we will, building on the Allen model, explore and develop a new improved model for the mouse visual cortex in close collaboration with researchers at the Allen Brain Institute. The model will be validated against a recently released data set from the Allen Institute with electrical brain signals recorded from visual cortex in an unprecedented large cohort of 58 mice (brain-map.org).
Requirements
- MSc in physics with a large computational component will be preferred, but candidates with a MSc in another mathematically oriented subject may be considered.
- Candidates with documented experience in computational neuroscience and scientific programming will be prioritized.
Supervisors
Call 1: Project start autumn 2021
This project is in call 1, starting autumn 2021. Read about how to apply